January 2021 mums to be. The one with hospital bags and heartburn!

[Onekidnoclue]

Hello ladies. Bit more space on this thread! X

@Onekidnoclue that's my term, to get the party stared lol

We all need to get the party started! Cant wait to see all your little arrivals & hopefully mine too.

Has anyone been collecting colostrum? I’ve been doing it and have about a dozen syringes. Is that about normal? So little it’s pointless? I’ve been hoping to get to 30 but think that’s a bit ambitious ☹️

@footprintsintheslow congratulations amazing birthday!

Congratulations @footprintsintheslow!

Still no baby here, 39+5, getting comfortable in any position is a struggle now so hoping it won't be too much longer until he/she makes an appearance

@Onekidnoclue I only started today cos I didn't want it to trigger anything sooner. How much are you getting in each syringe? I didn't have any last time so I'm seeing anything as a bonus really, and as a way to hopefully get my body used to production to take the pressure off at hospital. I was so tired and emotional last time it was hard going at first so this would have been a good idea in retrospect.

I've not been able to express at all. Nothing there to harvest. I was worried about it but midwife has said delivery of placenta will make the hormones and nothing to be concerned about.

I’ve been doing the boob squeeze for a couple of weeks and production has varied masses. This afternoon I got four syringes full (from both boobs combined). But I did it a few days ago and got nothing from one boob and literally a few drops from the other. I don’t know if trying the first time then leaving it triggered them to get going?
If it’s not working for you don’t worry. You’re not missing anything fun! Also I’m sure the amount I can get pre delivery is tiny compared to what will be available once the baby arrives and hormones kick in.

Wow @Onekidnoclue that's awesome. I only got 0.5ml this morning but that was just trying for ten minutes after my shower.

@Bunnycrazy is this your first baby? I found expressing really hard even after having my first baby, but there was always plenty when breastfeeding so it was never a problem.

Yes it will be my first baby, that comment makes me feel better and less concerned.

@Bunnycrazy my second baby and it's slow going here - I'm 38+4 now and I've managed this in 2 sittings today. No harm in encouraging it though in the run up - even if just so you're boobs get used to the battering now ☺️ did midwife talk to you about breast massage/doing it in the shower with a warm flannel? I found that helpful, particularly if I ever had blocked ducts etc and they were being stubborn. Don't worry if it doesn't come though. I didn't collect any pre-birth last time and had a slow start but fed my little boy until beyond his second birthday in the end. In fact, despite being nearly 4 now so not having breastfed for well over 18m he is desperate to get his mitts on this syringe - god help me when he sees baby feeding 🙈

@Onekidnoclue have you found yours has changed much in appearance over the weeks you've been doing it?

Your* boobs. Not you're 🙈

I’ve had the exact opposite experience. I found expressing beforehand fine and breastfeeding afterwards was a disaster. I had no supply, inverted nipples and a baby with a tongue tie! It would be much better the other way round.

@pigletpie2177 not really over the weeks but each time it’s quite different. Sometimes watery, or lumpy or more white or more yellow. It’s not consistent in colour, thickness or how much I get!

Ahh yes we had tongue tie too - I was sobbing in the hospital telling them it was like he had tiny razor blade teeth. That was when they got me to hand express and it took hours to get 1ml then the nurse dropped it on the floor 😱 we paid to have it privately snipped the day we got out of hospital having been told it was a 12 wk wait on nhs.

I've realised I only have 10 syringes (though that actually takes me to due date) so will see how I get on! Assuming I can buy them from the chemist if I manage to do more than one a day!

TT Was dire. I wouldn’t wish that pain on anyone loads Loads worse than labour!!!
The syringes are horrendously expensive. My MW didn’t have any so I’ve been buying. Husband has helpfully pointed out that the baby’s “meals” will be more expensive than our treat takeaway!

Talking of tt so my ds was born at 7.6 he dropped in the first week to 6.11 we are now second week an he's only 6.14. Mw told me to wake him every 3 hours to feed even in the night for the next 48hours which I've been doing she comes tomoz but she also said she thinks he has a slight tt could this be a reason for not gaining weight back quickly?

I'd say definitely worth getting it checked @WhoUsedMyName - if he isn't moving his tongue properly during feeds he may not be getting to the fatty milk before he gets tired of feeding? Not an expert I hasten to add! Is it hurting? Not sure whether it always does with tt (probably depends on degree of severity) but was bloody agony for me!

Even if it’s mild it’s worth getting a TT snipped if you can. Sooner is better than later.
It can stop then feeding efficiently and they can suck in air so they feel full but it’s bloat, not nutrition.
Might not be the issue but there’s no harm in the snip!

Woohoo 2.5ml - happy with that for day 1. Took a few goes but got there in the end.

Has anyone been doing perineal massage? I didn't last time as I knew it was going to be a section but even thinking about tearing makes me a bit 🤢

Waters went in bed at 2am, went in to hospital and was only 1cm went home until 3.30am I was back in and baby boy was born at 6am! 2 days early and weighing 7lb12 so that growth scan was a load of rubbish 😂

Woohoo congratulations @pollyoaks

@PollyOaks congratulations 🎉🎉 he is so cute xx

Congratulations @PollyOaks! He's adorable ❤️

Any update @PopsicleHustler?

Gorgeous @PollyOaks and very fast!

@pigletpie2177 that’s great going. I haven’t been doing perineal massage but know two mums who did and neither tore so I’m sure there’s something in it. Just can’t face any form of action in that area.

@pigletpie2177

No update, lovely.

Still here having painful contractions spaced apart. I called the labour ward at 7am to explain my pains and frustrations. They said that sorry there is not much they can do as the pains aren't really that close together enough. So just been told to wait it out. They also asked me to ask my midwife at next appointment for a sweep but she said no. That is something they only offer at 41 weeks. So just gotta grin and bear it.